Browsing by Author "Natukunda, Faith"

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    Approaches in cooling of resistive coil-based low-field Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems for application in low resource settings
    (BMC Biomedical Engineering, 2021) Natukunda, Faith; Twongyirwe, Theodora M.; Schiff, Steven J.; Obungoloch, Johnes
    Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), a non-invasive method for the diagnosis of diverse health conditions has experienced growing popularity over other imaging modalities like ultrasound and Computer Tomography. Initially, proof-of-concept and earlier MRI systems were based on resistive and permanent magnet technology. However, superconducting magnets have long held monopoly of the market for MRI systems with their high-field (HF) strength capability, although they present high construction, installation, and siting requirements. Such stringent prerequisites restrict their availability and use in low-middle income countries. Resistive coil-based magnet, albeit low-field (LF) in capacity, represent a plausible boost for the availability and use of MRI systems in resource constrained settings. These systems are characterized by low costs coupled with substantial image quality for diagnosis of some conditions such as hydrocephalus common is such regions. However, the nature of resistive coils causes them to heat up during operation, thus necessitating a dedicated cooling system to improve image quality and enhance system longevity. This paper explores a range of cooling methods as have been applied to resistive magnets, citing their pros and cons and areas for improvement.
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    Effects of Tropospheric Height and Wind Speed on Solar Power Generation: Energy Exploration Above Ground Level
    (SSRN, 2022) Nnamchi, Stephen Ndubuisi; Natukunda, Faith; Wanambwa, Silagi; Musiime, Enos Bahati; Tukamuhebwa, Richard; Wanazusi, Titus; Ogwal, Emmanuel
    Terrestrial and extraterrestrial factors hinder the exploitation of solar power using a ground platform. This paper is concerned with the generation of solar power above ground level. This paper employs modeling and simulations coupled with experimentation to establish a functional relationship between the percentage of solar power gain, tropospheric height and wind speed. The natural wind flow equation established a linear relationship between tropospheric height and wind speed, between tropospheric height and the percentage of solar power gain. It is evident that an insignificant percentage of solar power gain (≈2%) corresponded to 1000 m above ground level; the tropospheric height of 8100 m recorded 20% of solar power gain. Furthermore, wind speeds of 0 to 33 ms-1/distance (1000 m) correspond to ground level and tropospheric height of about 8100 m. However, there is a prospect of achieving more percentage of solar power gain by applying high-altitude platforms. The results obtained apply to other study areas having elevations below or equal to 1100 m, it serves as a guide in the estimation of the percentage of solar power gain by the virtue of tropospheric height and wind speed.
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    Market Opportunities for the Direct Use of Low Temperature Geothermal Heat in Uganda
    (Institute of Water and Energy Sciences, Pan African University, 2018) Natukunda, Faith; Valdimarsson, Pall
    As a country, Uganda has a growing interest to diversify its energy mix from dependency on hydro power and traditional biomass. Prospects for the exploitation of the existing geothermal potential are therefore not only in power generation, but also direct use applications, although geothermal development is still in the preliminary stages. This study places emphasis on the range of opportunities for direct use of low temperature geothermal heat in Uganda. Because the transportation of heat over long distances is uneconomical; it is advisable to utilize the heat within a given radius of its source. In this study, the areas within such radii where geothermal activity is witnessed were assessed based on; fluid temperature, climate, population as well as main economic activities to better understand the market opportunities for the heat that will be extracted. Some of the more outstanding geothermal fields were studied; from which it was observed that out of the diversity of sectors for investment, agriculture-based industries; agricultural drying and milk pasteurization, pose higher opportunities for success given the available sources of raw materials. It would however be important to carry out a detailed industry specific market analysis at the feasibility phase for a better understanding of the development of the selected industries for implementation.